Is Ala Moana Beach good for swimming?

Yes, if you're a confident swimmer and conditions allow. The reef shelters a channel that's 20 to 30 feet deep, with a sudden drop from the shore. Families use the shallower east end and Magic Island lagoon. Ask a lifeguard about conditions before you enter; flat water doesn't remove the need to watch for warning signs.

Is parking free at Ala Moana Beach Park?

Yes, parking is free in the park's lots and at Magic Island. The lots close with the park from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Weekends are busy, so arriving earlier gives you a better chance of a space. You can't leave your car there overnight.

Are there lifeguards at Ala Moana Beach Park?

Yes, the main beach has towers 1B through 1E. Magic Island's lagoon has Tower 1G. Tower hours are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily, which are shorter than the park's opening hours. Check for an on-duty lifeguard at your chosen stretch before you swim; a tower can close within the published hours.

How far is Ala Moana Beach from Waikiki?

From the Duke Kahanamoku statue, it's 1.9 miles on foot to the park's east lot. That puts you on the Magic Island side. The road distance from Kuhio Beach is 2.9 miles or 4.7 km. TheBus serves the park if you don't want to walk.

What is Magic Island?

Magic Island is a built peninsula at the east end of Ala Moana Beach Park. Large seawalls enclose a shallow lagoon used by families with children. You can reach it on foot through the park. It has its own Tower 1G and picnic tables under trees, so you can combine a swim with a shaded lunch.

What time does Ala Moana Beach Park close?

Ala Moana Beach Park closes at 10 p.m. and reopens at 4 a.m. daily. The parking lots close overnight too. You need to leave with your car before closing, even if you're staying nearby. Lifeguard tower hours end at 6:30 p.m., so an open park doesn't mean lifeguards are still watching the water.

Things to do in Oahu › Oahu beaches › Ala Moana Beach Park

Ala Moana Beach Park

Swimming and shaded picnics

Updated October 30, 2026 Park hours: Honolulu Parks; lifeguard hours: Ocean Safety

Ala Moana Beach Park sits west of Waikiki across from Ala Moana Center. A reef shelters the water from waves. You can swim laps in a former boat channel that's 20 to 30 feet deep. Lifeguard towers cover the beach and Magic Island lagoon. Parking in the park's lots is free. The park closes from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., and box jellyfish can interrupt your swim.

The beach and the lawn at Ala Moana Beach Park

The Honolulu skyline from the Kakaako waterfront by Ala Moana

Map

Where Ala Moana Beach Park is

21.2888° N, 157.8508° W Directions in Google Maps Apple Maps OpenStreetMap

How to get there

From Waikiki The park's east lot is 1.9 miles or 3.0 km on foot from the Duke Kahanamoku statue. The walk ends on the Magic Island side of the park. TheBus is an option if you'd rather ride.
From the airport HNL, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, is 6.9 miles or 11.1 km from the park by road. The W Line serves Ala Moana from the airport. The airport bus stop is on Ala Onaona Street east of the lei stands.
By bus TheBus routes 42 and E stop here. Adults pay $3.25 cash per boarding without transfers. With a HOLO card, a $3.00 pass gives you 2 hours of travel with transfers.
With a tour Kewalo Basin lies beside the park's west end. Sunset cruises and dive boats leave from this harbor, so you can pair a beach visit with time on the water. Your booking page needs to name the pier and slip; the park's map pin won't take you to your boat.

At a glance

Ala Moana Beach Park at a glance

Water	calm behind the reef, with a deep swimming channel. The bottom drops quickly to 20 to 30 feet. A calm surface doesn't mean shallow water.
Lifeguards	towers 1B through 1E on the main beach. Magic Island has Tower 1G. Daily tower hours are 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; your chosen tower may close temporarily during those hours.
Snorkeling	snorkeling is possible when conditions allow. Scuba divers also use the reef east of Magic Island on calm days. You'll need the lifeguard's advice about conditions before heading into the water.
Shade	trees and lawns behind the beach provide space for a picnic. Magic Island has tables under shady trees. Casual use of the park's 40 picnic sites is first come, first served.
Parking	free lots off Ala Moana Park Drive, including the Magic Island lot. They close overnight with the park from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. You'll find more competition for parking on weekends.
On the shore	restrooms and showers are available. Food stands serve the beach, with picnic tables nearby. You'll also find showers near the entrance to Magic Island.
Hazards	box jellyfish tend to arrive 8 to 10 days after a full moon. They can still be present outside that window. Sharp coral and sudden drop-offs also affect where you can swim.

Before you go

Ask a lifeguard about conditions before you swim. Consult the Waikiki Aquarium's box jellyfish calendar, then follow the warnings on the beach. On weekends, arrive early for parking and shade.

The beach

What Ala Moana Beach Park is like

The reef keeps the water calmer along the sand, but the swimming area drops into a deep channel. You'll see people swimming laps here. The channel reaches 20 to 30 feet, so a flat surface doesn't mean you can stand. Families also use the beach's east end, where the bottom is shallow and sandy. Before choosing where to get in, ask the lifeguard about the water and any warnings posted along your stretch.

Lawns and trees give you room to spend time out of the water. The park has 40 picnic sites for casual use on a first come, first served basis. You can bring lunch or buy food at a concession stand, then use the tables for a break from the sand. You'll see joggers passing people at the picnic tables. Ala Moana Center is across the boulevard if shopping is part of your day.

Magic Island extends from the park's east end, with a shallow lagoon held behind large seawalls. The peninsula connects directly to the park. Picnic tables under the trees make it a place for lunch after a swim. You can watch the sunset from the park before heading back to your hotel. The park closes at 10 p.m.; your car needs to leave the lots before the overnight closure.

Tours

Boat tours from Kewalo Basin

Sunset cruises and boat tours 14 tours · from $46

Kewalo Basin has sunset sails and boat cruises. Use the sunset cruises and boat tours list to compare departures, then match the pier on your booking page to your route.

Water sports: parasailing and scuba 13 tours · from $75

Parasailing and scuba boats also leave from Kewalo Basin. The water sports list helps you compare those outings; your booking page should distinguish a first dive from a trip that requires certification.

Whale watching and dolphin tours 14 tours · from $49.95

Winter whale trips also leave from Kewalo Basin. Use the whale watching and dolphin list to compare outings, with the departure harbor and operating season in mind when planning your beach day.

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